Monza Test - Day One: 13 July 1999.

Just days after the British Grand Prix, the hard grind of testing resumed at the Italian circuit of Monza.


The low spirits which many personnel will have taken away from Silverstone following Michael Schumacher's accident will not have been lifted by another incident, this time involving Benetton driver Giancarlo Fisichella, although the Italian at least emerged without injury.


Ralf Schumacher continued his impressive season by topping the times on day one, ahead of a clutch of higher ranked pilots. The Williams driver clocked 1min 26.111secs to lead the pack, just over a tenth clear of the fortunate Fisichella.


British GP winner David Coulthard was next up, a matter of hundredths behind the Benetton and a similar distance in front of Silverstone rival Eddie Irvine. Alex Zanardi (Williams), Jean Alesi (Sauber) and Pedro de la Rosa (Arrows) were the only other regular drivers in attendance on a low-key opening day, as many teams took the opportunity to give reserve drivers the chance to accumulate mileage.


Formula 3 star Luciano Burti (Stewart) was the newest face on show, the Brazilian clocking respectable times in esteemed company. Nick Heidfeld (McLaren), Stephane Sarrazin (Prost) and Laurent Redon (Benetton) were also present.


Leading performances (13 July):


Ralf Schumacher Williams-Supertec 1min 26.111secs 36 laps

Giancarlo Fisichella Benetton-Playlife 1min 26.231secs 62 laps

David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes 1min 26.276secs 57 laps

Eddie Irvine Ferrari-Ferrari 1min 26.293secs 58 laps

Alex Zanardi Williams-Supertec 1min 26.767secs 75 laps

Luciano Burti Stewart-Ford 1min 26.780secs 66 laps

Nick Heidfeld McLaren-Mercedes 1min 27.120secs 21 laps

Jean Alesi Sauber-Petronas 1min 27.244secs 65 laps

Stephane Sarrazin Prost-Peugeot 1min 27.305secs 47 laps

Laurent Redon Benetton-Playlife 1min 28.426secs 26 laps

Pedro de la Rosa Arrows-Arrows 1min 28.431secs 56 laps